Tioga Downs and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association have worked together to implement a program that will pay drivers a minimum of $15 for their drives even when finishing out of the money.

The program was brought to Tioga Downs’ attention by the STHHA and the sides have agreed on the policy which will be retroactive from July 6, 2012.

“It's only fair for the drivers to get paid for the job they are out there doing day in and day out when sometimes they don’t really have a good shot in the race," said Paul Bernardo, director of STHHA and one of Tioga Downs’ trainers. "We believe that these guys deserve something for their work especially the guys who drive quite a ways to come drive at Tioga.”

Drivers who have participated at Tioga Downs since July 6 should see the cheques arriving in the mail sometime in the next few weeks.

“This is a good program that rewards drivers for their work they are doing at Tioga Downs, and we feel that it will continue to strengthen an already strong driving colony we have here,” said Corey Braden, one of Tioga Downs top drivers.

(Tioga)